Shopify Theme Development Glossary
1. Liquid
Shopify’s templating language used to load dynamic content in themes. It acts as the "glue" between HTML, CSS, and Shopify data (like product titles, prices, etc.).
2. Sections
Reusable blocks of content defined in .liquid files (e.g., product.liquid, collection.liquid) that allow merchants to customize the storefront.
3. Blocks
Smaller components within a section that can be added, removed, or reordered via the Theme Editor.
4. Schema
A JSON object inside a .liquid file that defines the customization options (like text fields, image pickers) available in the Theme Editor.
5. Snippets
Reusable bits of Liquid code stored in the /snippets directory (e.g., price.liquid, product-card.liquid).
6. Theme Editor
The visual editor in Shopify that allows merchants to customize themes without editing code directly.
7. Shopify CLI
Command-line tool that helps with theme development, local development, theme previewing, and pushing themes to a store.
8. metafields
Custom data fields that extend Shopify's data model — useful for adding additional product details, icons, or badges.
9. Asset Pipeline
Refers to how Shopify loads and manages static assets like CSS, JavaScript, and images in your theme.
10. Global Objects
Predefined variables accessible in Liquid, like cart, product, collection, customer, etc.
Ecommerce & Marketing Glossary
11. Conversion Rate
The percentage of site visitors who complete a desired action (like a purchase).
12. AOV (Average Order Value)
The average dollar amount spent each time a customer places an order.
13. UGC (User-Generated Content)
Customer-created content like reviews, photos, or testimonials that can be used to build trust.
14. CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization)
The practice of improving your store layout, content, and UX to increase conversions.
15. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Strategies used to increase visibility in search engines, including optimizing product pages, meta tags, and URLs.
16. PDP (Product Detail Page)
The page that contains detailed info about a product including images, price, description, and “Add to Cart” button.
17. PLP (Product Listing Page)
A collection or category page that shows multiple products in a grid or list format.
18. Cart Abandonment
When users add items to the cart but do not complete the checkout process.
19. Email Flows
Automated email campaigns triggered by user behavior (e.g., welcome series, post-purchase, abandoned cart).
20. Pixel / Tracking Script
Code used to track user actions on your site for analytics and ad retargeting (e.g., Meta Pixel, Google Tag).
Shopify-Specific Marketing Tools
21. Shopify Inbox
A built-in chat app for customer messaging and support.
22. Shopify Email
Email marketing tool built into Shopify to create and send branded campaigns.
23. Shopify Flow
Automation tool (available on Shopify Plus) that lets you create workflows for tasks like restock alerts or order tagging.
24. Shopify Markets
Feature that enables cross-border selling, international pricing, and domain localization.
Bonus: Key Technical & UX Concepts
25. Responsive Design
Designing themes to work on all device sizes, especially mobile.
26. Lazy Loading
Deferring the loading of non-critical resources (like off-screen images) to speed up page loads.
27. Lighthouse Score
Google’s tool for auditing web performance, accessibility, SEO, and best practices — key for Shopify speed optimization.
28. Accessibility (a11y)
Ensuring your store is usable by people with disabilities, including screen readers and keyboard navigation.
29. JSON Templates
Newer theme architecture where content is rendered through JSON + Liquid (e.g., product.json) for dynamic sections everywhere.
30. Online Store 2.0
The latest version of Shopify’s theme architecture, introducing JSON templates, app blocks, and more modular customization.
